Some final thoughts
When traveling in Ghana, as most non-Western places, it is important to remember where you are. For most of the world, life is very different than we know it in America. No matter how poor you may feel, you are a very rich person compared to most people on earth.
What can you do when traveling?
1) Bring gifts
I cannot believe how much I managed to solicit from friends and organizations, and my closets received a much-needed cleanout. School teachers loved the inflatable globes that I was giving away. But often after thanking me profusely for the gift, the teacher would ask that next time I just bring pencils and paper. When packing, plan to leave much of what you take - even partially used toiletries or medicine. This creates lots of room for things to bring back.
2) Be respectful
You will see things that you do not understand. You will hear things that you may not agree with. You may not even be able to understand the English coming from somebody's mouth. Do not treat people like imbeciles. Remember that there is no correct way to live life and every person is deserving of respect. Ask questions, but don't preach or be condescending.
3) Be generous
It is simply not possible to help everyone. And "chancers" are always around - people who take a chance that you will be generous because of a sad story or a simple request. But that request for a tip is an inconsequential amount to you. Unfortunately, Americans have a reputation as being stingy people and you can do your part to help change that. Sharing your food is the easiest way to join this culture of interdependence.
4) Be receptive
When you are approached, be friendly, not fearful. The interpersonal space is very close and physical contact is part of a conversation. Most people have a genuine interest in strangers. Despite the disgust with the current American administration, there is still great admiration and respect for American people. Talk about your family and your life because many cultures have an oral tradition where the sharing of stories is the basis of communication and learning.
5) Be Patient
OK, so you're hot, uncomfortable, hungry. The water is not running or the electric is off. You're waiting too long for your food or drink. Unbundle your panties and don't work yourself into a twit. Relax and enjoy the unhurried pace of life. But please don't make a spectacle of your displeasure and reinforce the stereotype of a spoiled impatient American.
6) Conserve
Our wasteful Western lifestyle is quite shocking to anyone who lives on $2 a day. To not eat food that is served to you because you don't like it is just not acceptable. You eat it and be grateful for the hospitality of your host. While abundant for tourists, clean water is precious and you should treat it that way. Every little thing has value - a sheet of paper that has a blank side, an empty bottle, a plastic bag. Seriously.
7) Have Fun
Gosh, I didn't mean to get all preachy. You're on holiday so have fun. For people with so little, there is great joy in life in Africa. Drop your inhibitions and share in that joy. You will be a changed person.
posted by Easy Track Ghana @ 8:39 PM
7 comments
7 Comments:
Thanks for your comment Frans. I appreciate your blog reply and the wisdom you have to share:
http://ghananewbie.blogspot.com/2006/07/what-is-rich-what-is-poor.html
Jessie's friend Adjei is a good man and I am glad to hear that you are corresponding.
All of what you said is very true. I stayed in Senegal for a month back in 2001. The biggest thing I tell people is that it is not home, and you shouldn't go there expecting it to be the same way. That's the adventure in learnign and respecting another culture.
Americans have reputation for being stingy, but I think wealthy Africans I meet can be about 10 times as stingy.. ANd many africans are happy to see a white man, knowing that he will give him a bigger tip than even an African with 10 times the money. I find some of what you say a bit bigoted and its not taht Americans are all spoiled, as just not accustomed.
I want you to know there is good and bad all over. Iam a white man and helped widows and orphans in Uganda with computer equipment and was not treated with any respect or kindness by my African hosts, who kept demanding more nad more for me. WHo is being stingy?
Let me tell you, I love many Africans, but I see your one-sided view, perhaps you can also teach Africans some of the same manners you enforce on travellers.
Yonatan,
I certainly agree with your observation in regards to the generosity of wealthy Africans and I also find it dusturbing. I only personally know one wealthy African, and I cannot chide him for this because he is an exceedingly generous man.
Sadly, greed and jealousy are two emotions that exert an abnormal control on the cultures of Africa, amongst the rich and the poor alike. I have seen these emotions lead to some very disturbing and irrational actions that were unbelievable to me.
Now, in regards to being called a bigot and one-sided, well I always have received very positive comments on my blog, so I am indeed shocked and pained at your harshness. I have been trying to stay focused on the positive and not writing of the many very real difficulties of the life here, such as the one you pointed out.
I am truly sorry that your hosts did not treat you to your expectations in Uganda. Not being in Ghana, or even near West Africa, I am sure that your experience was far different than what I have written about in my Ghana blog. Africa is a big place with many cultures.
I have traveled to many countries in Africa, and it is only Ghana that has compelled me to tell the story of my journey with this obvious passion. It is one of few places in Africa where I have a keen interest to return regularly.
During my trips throughout Africa, I have encountered many Westerners, not just Americans, who have had difficult times because of one thing or another. Almost always, upon hearing their story, I find that it is an issue of 1) having been judged to be a poor human being in some way (usually without even knowing what the offense is!), or 2) by appearing to be a person who can be easily taken advantage of, or 3) unrealized expectations.
As for being a good human being, realize that it is easy to offend when you are in a culture that is different than what you are accustomed to. Just as you can be unintentionally offened by something your African host may say or do.
I have been amazed that so many people would visit a different culture and chose to enter it knowing nothing at all - and choosing to be spoiled by remaining that way! I have had one person even tell me they felt that they had been robbed because they handed their host 600 pounds and told them to take care of finances because he did not even know the exchange rate! Come on people! If you walk around and insultingly flaunt your wealth in front of people who have a hard time just keeping food in their stomachs, then you *will* be taken advantage of.
If you choose to travel to a developing country and be ignorant, then of course things will not be good for you and you will always feel like a victim. If you have not educated yourself on life in a developing country, then you may have unrealistic expectations that would cause you distress, for example, when you need to use a toilet.
These "final thoughts" that I have written are simply an introduction to some things to think about when you are visiting a developing country. They are some simple things that *will* make a difference in your trip and how you are able to relate to the people you encounter. Maybe you will still offend people by accident - I know I still do, but this may help ease the sting.
As you put it: Spoiled vs. Accustomed. Yes, it certainly is a way to measure how you respond to situations that are uncomfortable or unknown. Do you try your best to become accustomed, or do you stay spoiled and insist "this is how we do it in my country"? You tell me which response will get you to be judged a better human being.
I appreciate that you encourage me to teach my friends in Africa as well. I hear from them very strongly that they learn much from me, as I learn from them.
Sorry that this is one-sided, but there really is only one side to this argument that I want to be on: Respect your hosts by remembering you are a visitor in *their* country and learn from them every day.
PEACE be with you always.
If you wish to learn more about how to better relate to people in developing countries, two good cultural resources are:
“Foreign to Familiar”
by Sarah A. Lanier
© 2000 McDougal Publishing
1-800-962-3684
“African Friends and Money Matters”
by David Maranz
© 2001 SIL International
1-972-708-7404
Both are available through Amazon.com
Steve,
Ete Sen.. Nyame nyhirawo.. Efoa, Mao ne yhirawe...
I am sorry if you thought i was harsh.. I didn't call you a bigot, but said some things you said sounded a bit judgmental, certainly one-sided. Let me tell you I have been around the bush a little, maybe not as much as others, but I have spent a half a year in Africa and I understand what you say.
What I want to abolish is the mindset that Americans or other White people are bad, and black people are good. How would you like it if an African came to USA and I say you people are all uncivilized? Well its the same as saying americans are all stingy.
Actually, many white people I meet who are even willing to travel to Africa, with their smaller immune systems to African diseases, do so with the intention to help people there. Not many Americans take their holiday in Accra instead of Miami Beach. The beaches in Ghana are not much to brag about with their mega tons of garbage on them, either.
Anyhow, I have met good and bad in Ghana, as well as in Uganda and Tanzania; the places I travel. I spend a great deal of time trying to learn culture, language and be apart of the people. I did everything from dancing in village, farming with Ewe people, herding cattle with Fulanis, and visiting families and churches. I became brothers with a Ewe man and even had a man who I called Ofa (Uncle in Ewe). I still call them from USA monthly or more.
I was able to speak a little of the 5 languages of the places I visited. Many poeople were indeed noble and like even a family to me. I felt less a cultural divide than many people would feel, as I am not a person who puts emphasis on genes versus a person's heart. However, I also see through the facade of people's skin and accent.
I am aware of cultural differences, which are getting less and less these days, ironically. Of course, deep in villages the code of honor still lives, which I am happy. However, don't be deceived. Africans are not a bunch of smily happy go-lucky people like you may say. There is good, but also bad.
I was treated not as a guest, as you say. Do people try to always demand money from guests? Say white man your rich buy me a car? Not polite way to treat a guest.. Also, people try to swindle you for money overcharging, it is not so much a guest, rather an opportunity. Of course, they are poor, and i understand! However, this is not very hospitable; as Ghanaians love to brag about.
Also, being told that I am an evil white man and that blacks are better people. That white people are weak, etc.. And many other racist comments I experienced from Africans, is not what I think any different than the racist comments that white people have called to Africans. Of course being a foreigener, I'm just suppose to agree with them. Just because they are Africans doesn't mean they are exempt from poor behavior.
Now, that I am critical and realistic about Africans, it doesn't mean I don't like them. I have many friends in Ewe land and love lot of the people there. However, there are plenty who don't live any better lives than the white people you criticize. And many do not live up to their reptuation of being hospitable. As far as being a guest in Africa, don't expect the same treatment like you would have being a guest at a friends house in USA. People dont expect thigns from guests, but provide. In Ghana, the guest is suppose to mind his manners, but the hosts don't seem to mind theirs!!
Africa is no picnic.. People know your rich and will try to take advantage, but there are good people there.. I just wish you speak more realistically..
Sorry for any misunderstanding.
Nazzo nuade.. Nante yie...
By the way, the service you provide for travellers to Ghana looks excellent. I respect that you people run such a nice budget tour company.. I think you will help many people with their integration into Ghana, which is no easy destination for the unexperienced. Sadly, on my trip to Ghana I did things on my own, which is not a great idea, a bit too risky.
Post a Comment
<< Home